Lv Zelong: Partially Sandblasted Bent Dublin with Boxwood Tobacco Pipe

With over a decade of pipe-making experience to his name, Lv Zelong honed his craft under the guidance of respected artisans Ping Zhan and Lan Zhenjun, and today his work is well regarded for its artful shaping, tasteful accent work, and reliable engineering. Much of Zelong's portfolio draws inspiration from iconic Danish artisans merged with the Chinese carver's own creativity and aesthetic vision — all supported by his sterling craftsmanship and remarkable finishes.

A number of Zelong's pieces display a forward-urging dynamism and a fluid nature from button to rim, and this bent Dublin exudes that gestural aspect. A minimal stem bend offers the perfect complement to the shank: While it appears to curl, the shank's lines are more informed by its taper toward the transition, an optical illusion of sorts that supports the shape's flowing profile while maintaining a straighter trajectory. The shank's tapering lines lend the bowl further prominence as it expands forward and upward, and its domed rim complements the rest of the piece's soft lines. Dressed in a partial finish, the stummel reveals subtly sandblasted texture across the shank and lower bowl, while the broad rim remains smooth — all accented by a rich contrast stain and a handsome boxwood accent along the shank end.